Chapter VI (2)

While the 11th Hussars were on the right of the 9th Lancers, and therefore on the fringe of the attack, a perusal of the following will give an idea of what it meant to be in the front line of the Ypres Salient on a bank holiday in 1915:--

"3 a.m.--Heavy firing, guns, rifles, Maxims, on our left; faint
smell of gas; just as dawn breaks.

3.15.--All quiet on our immediate front, heavy shelling going
on all round. Every wire cut between Brigade headquarters and
ourselves, and with the artillery.

3.45.--Still no touch with Brigade headquarters, so messenger
despatched. The headquarters of the 11th, Bays, and 5th D.G.'s
are all close together in a wood behind the trench line. The Bays
and 5th Dragoon Guards each have one squadron in hand; there
are also three companies of the 4th East Yorks Territorials in
brigade reserve in the same wood.

4.--The Bays send an officers' patrol to the left.

4.20.--Heavy firing still continues on our left. Telephone
message sent to O.C. A Squadron: "Try and get information of
situation on your left."

4.35.--Answer received: "Adjutant 9th Lancers just passed here.
Reports their centre and left gassed. No attack so far."

4.45.--Lieutenant Milne's patrol of the Bays returned. Report 9th
Lancers have been badly gassed, and retired from their trenches
in places, leaving big gaps. Reinforcements have gone up, and
line has, he thinks, been re-established.

5.--Captain Osborne, Brigade-Major, arrives from Brigade
headquarters. They have all suffered severely from gas; the
regiments in G.H.Q. line have caught it very badly. The
shelling has been very heavy, great number of casualties, men
streaming back from all parts of the line. When he left Brigade
headquarters they were in ignorance of the situation in any part
of the line. The only thing which kept their hopes up was that
not a single man of the 1st Brigade had returned.

6.30.--Lieutenant Milne reports that he went to Officer
Commanding 9th Lancers, who told him that his line was complete
to fifty yards north of the Menin Road. He has had many men
gassed, and has used up all his supports to fill up gaps in the
front line. He is pushing reconnaissance to his left. Heard
that the Officer Commanding York and Lancaster Regiment had his
battalion in a wood about 600 yards east of us, so went over and
saw him. He has 1,000 men, and is reserve to the section of the
line from our right to Hill 60. Got him to send two companies to
the Officer Commanding 9th Lancers.

7.30.--Lieutenant Hartman, 11th Hussars, returned with his
patrol. He had worked up to the Menin Road, where he had found
Captain F. O. Grenfell, 9th Lancers, holding on with a very
few men, and asking urgently for reinforcements of 200 men to
strengthen his line. As Lieutenant Hartman was leaving, three
platoons of infantry arrived.

9.--Heavy attack on Hooge. All our glasses are fixed on that
point. The village (now only a few ruined houses) is on a piece
of rising ground which commands, at close range, the rear of our
position. Withdrew one of the 11th Hussars' Maxims and laid it
on the village. Can see our troops falling back. If Hooge goes,
we are in the soup. 9th Lancers headquarters are in Louave Wood.
Beale-Browne is in command. He has still got one company in hand.

10.--Still holding on at Hooge. Can see more of our infantry
moving up from Louave Wood.

11.--Patrol reports "enemy have broken through 18th Hussars' line
north of Menin Road, and are working down on the road in rear
of Hooge." Hear heavy firing in that direction. Send Osborne to
officer commanding Y. and L. to get him to send three companies
to hold northern edge of Louave Wood, with machine-gun and
detachment at farm west of it.

12 noon.--Message sent by runner to Brigade Headquarters: "Still
holding on to Hooge, but Germans are astride the Menin Road.
Could you push up counter-attack in that direction? My line of
retreat is covered by German machine-guns in that direction.
Several orderlies have been wounded going backwards and forwards."

12 noon.--First messenger returned from Brigade headquarters.
Counter-attack is being organised. Messenger states that on
his way up he saw about 100 infantry straggling back from the
lines on our right, stating that their "'ole battalion had been
coot oop." If there is any truth in their statement, we are in
a nasty position, so send off at once an officer's patrol in
that direction to clear up the situation, and a squadron of the
5th D.G.'s to support the patrol and form a flank protection in
direction of Maple Copse. No firing has been heard at all on our
right.

12.5 p.m.--Learn that there is a company of Royal Engineers
in the wood near the York and Lancaster headquarters, so send
them following order: "Proceed with Y. and L. guide to O.C. 9th
Lancers in Louave Wood, and ask him if he can find work for your
fifty men in consolidating the position on northern edge of wood."

12.15.--Germans attacking right of 9th Lancers' line and left of
A Squadron, 11th Hussars, with bombs. They are reported to have
broken the 9th Lancers' line at one point, but been driven out
again.

12.30.--Captain Lawson reports that section of trench held by
Territorials between his left and 9th Lancers has been captured
by Germans. They are working down his trench with bombs. The
captured section slopes up from the stream, and looks down on the
A Squadron trench.

12.35.--Interview the officer commanding 4th Yorks, explain the
situation, and tell him to take another company up, and with the
one already in the second line form a barrier behind the captured
portion, getting touch with the 9th Lancers on his left and the
11th Hussars on his right.

1.--Message sent to officer commanding 9th Lancers: "Have pushed
up a support to form a barrier behind the captured trench.
Endeavour to get touch with them from the switch trench. A
counter attack is now taking place from Potitjze towards Hooge."

1.30.--The pressure on the Menin Road seems to be relieved. The
Germans are still bombing down Lawson's trench, but A Squadron
are putting up a good fight with bombs. Lieut. Gunter has been
killed.

2.25.--Message sent by runner to Brigade headquarters. "At about
12.15 Germans captured portion of 9th Lancers' trench close to
11th Hussars' left. Company of East Yorks sent up to form barrier
behind broken line. Switch on 9th Lancers' right is now held
instead of advanced trench. Western edge of Hooge still held
by mixed force of men. Send me information of counter attack,
for if Germans establish themselves on Menin Road during the
night, position of brigade becomes untenable. If it is proposed
to retire from here it would have to be done at night. Please
inform Officer Commanding 83rd Brigade that I have had to call
on all the York and Lancasters except 250 men. Following is
disposition of line at present as known to me:--1st Brigade line
as taken over last night. 2nd Brigade--9th Lancers, weakened by
losses, with left on Menin Road; right broken but being secured.
Remainder of 9th Lancers, with York and Lancasters, have formed a
line right along north edge of wood facing north. They have two
machine-guns on their outer flank and patrols to the Menin Road."

2.45.--Message sent to Brigade headquarters: "Please arrange
to send up to-night two dozen hand grenades per regiment, and
detonators, most important; also two dozen rifle grenades per
regiment and two dozen extra detonators per regiment, as the
bombs here are without detonators; also as many gas-sprayers as
possible. Ask 1st Cavalry Division to send up trench mortars with
Royal Horse Artillerymen or Royal Engineers to man them, as our
men don't understand them. They are urgently required."

3 p.m.--No further developments. Situation well in hand, but
hope that counter-attack is developing on north side Menin Road.
Lawson is holding on to the line of stream, but position is
untenable unless 2nd Brigade can re-establish original line on
their right. Make dispositions for holding new line from left
of B Squadron down communication trench to the support trench;
thence along to where it joins up with front line. The situation
on the right down as far as Hill 60 reported all right. The
trenches near Hill 60 visited by our patrol did not even know
that there was a fight going on. They thought all the firing was
a long way to their left.

4 p.m.--Situation unchanged. Have got majority of A Squadron
back into communicating trench, moved up squadron of the Bays to
complete the line and join up with 9th Lancers. Send following
message to Lawson, who is still holding on at the stream:--

"Most of your squadron are now back in communicating trench.
Squadron of the Bays and infantry are holding the second line. I
cannot send you up any more support; doubt your doing any good
by holding on to present line. If you cannot get away now, wait
until dark."

4.--Message sent to Officer Commanding 9th Lancers:--"Portion of
front line marked with crosses on accompanying sketch, has gone;
suggest your falling back and holding line marked with red dots."
Operations carried on without any further alarms till dusk. We
saw the right flank of the counter-attack coming up towards
Hooge. The Y. and L. co-operated in this movement.

5.--Following received from Officer Commanding York and
Lancasters:--

"Our attack on the Menin Road has been successful. All the enemy
have been driven back off the road as far as our left flank
rests. The companies have withdrawn to Louave Wood after leaving
a post on Menin Road, facing north. Patrols have been pushed on
to the north to try and get touch with the counter-attack, but
these patrols will now be withdrawn, and the Oxford Hussars will
be asked to send similar patrols. Some of the enemy have been
killed. Have collected their papers and identity discs, and will
send them to Brigade headquarters."

Soon after dark we received orders that the Brigade would be
relieved to-night, but it was not till past midnight that the
relieving regiments arrived. During the hours between dusk and
midnight the enemy attacked vigorously with bombs both B Squadron
and A Squadron trenches. At midnight the 16th Lancers arrived to
take over. It was obvious that it was going to be a tight fit to
defeat daylight. Not a moment was lost, but it was nearly two
o'clock before the last squadron was relieved. The squadrons
moved off independently, keeping as far as possible on the low
ground. A violent fusilade commenced on both flanks of the
Salient, and "Spares" were fairly flying about over our heads.
The Germans were making another gas attack, and C Squadron, which
took a more northerly route, caught it slightly. Our casualties
were slight during the withdrawal, and it was quite light by the
time we reached Ypres. We raced on through the town, as shells
were falling about in a most unpleasant manner. We got back to
Vlamertinghe at 4.30 a.m., the men absolutely dead beat, having
walked seven miles across country at top speed. We dossed down
to sleep, most of the men preferring the open to the wooden
huts. Forty-eight hours without a check has been a bit more than
tiring. The casualties for the 24th of May were two officers
killed, twelve men killed, twelve wounded, and four died of
wounds. Lieutenant Poole, who was only slightly wounded on the
way back to Ypres, unfortunately succumbed to tetanus a few days
later at Boulogne.

After sweeping over the firing-line and drifting past the G.H.Q. reserve line, on that Whit Monday morning, the gas still moved westward.

H and I Battery men, caught in their dug-outs, had a liberal share, and still more of the poisonous fumes gathered in ruined Ypres, or floated on to our divisional headquarters further to the west. Some of the gas was carried as far back as Vlamertinghe, between four and five miles from the German trenches.

"Willie" Du Cros, running with his ambulance convoy from Vlamertinghe to a dressing station well west of Ypres, was sufficiently overcome by gas to be for some hours dangerously ill.

Hardly a member of the 1st Cavalry Division Staff, including General de Lisle himself, escaped the gas fumes. Red and watery eyes, a pale bluish tinge to the complexion, violent headaches, and continual coughing were universal for the greater part of the forenoon.

Gas shells continually burst over Ypres and the roads near it. More than once I ran through pockets of gas, apparently caused by these gas shells. Every one of us wore respirators or masks when near Ypres, though "Babe" Nicholson inhaled sufficient gas through his respirator to render him unconscious for five minutes after a "dash up front."

General Mullens, of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade, and Captain Paget, his Brigade Major, were brought in a dangerous condition to our headquarters. By night they were able to walk about, but for a time it seemed quite possible neither would recover.

That evening I asked General Mullens, who was looking very ill, if he thought he was free from the effects of the poisoning. "Somewhat," he answered. "No one could imagine what the experience is like. The helplessness and mental suffering of it are beyond description."

Ypres came in for another terrific bombardment that day. The Menin Bridge and the Menin Road proved such death-traps that they were "closed to traffic" before the day was over.

Romer Williams, of General Mullens's staff, came through Ypres with a message just as I was going up.

"You have a fine bruise on your forehead," said I, pointing to a raw bump the size of a goose-egg. "How did you get it?"

"I haven't an idea," he answered; "unless a shell bounced off it. Some of 'em have come close enough, so I thought they _might_ have done so. As I was coming back down the Menin Road, an ammunition limber passed me, the horses at full gallop. I watched them cross the railway metals at the halt. The limber jumped up into the air when it hit the crossing and the horses seemed to be skimming the ground, they were going at such a pace. Just as the limber bumped up, a flash came, right over it, and when the smoke rolled away the road led clean on eastward, absolutely empty. Not a sign of horse, man or limber remained. A big howitzer shell must have hit it squarely on the outfit, and swept it into the ditch like the wind would sweep away a leaf. It was a terrible thing to see."

Colonel Browne of the R.A.M.C. and his staff worked like Trojans. Browne had not slept since 7 o'clock on the previous morning, and had a bad touch of gas, like everyone else near headquarters.

At break of day the roads were full of panting, coughing stragglers from the front. Scores on scores staggered into the big front gates of the château, and sank exhausted and suffering on the deep grass that lined the drive-way. The medical officers hastily gave such relief as they could and packed the ambulances full of the wounded and the worst of the gas cases.

By 9 o'clock in the morning 600 gassed men and 160 wounded had passed through Colonel Browne's hands, more than four-fifths of them members of the 28th or 4th Division units.

The number of men who were wounded by shell fire when coming back toward Ypres from the gas-filled trenches was legion.

Five signal-corps men, attached to the 2nd Cavalry Brigade, were badly poisoned, but managed to get back as far as the big square at Ypres. They were in such a sorry state that a passing officer advised them to lie down on the broken cobbles of the Grande Place until an ambulance could be sent for them. They stretched out in a pathetic row, and had not lain there long when a Black Maria lit at their feet, shoving them half a dozen yards over the stones still in line, every man of the five dead, killed before he knew of the coming of the shell.

All day shattered men were brought to the divisional dressing station near the château gates. The wounds from the shells were terrible.

A wounded sergeant of the Cheshires refused a ride from east of Ypres in an ambulance, cheerily saying that those who _could_ walk should do so, and not occupy space required for those more severely hurt. He carried back his full kit, tramping sturdily along with a grim smile on his fine face. At the dressing station a nasty bullet hole in his shoulder was disclosed, which would have laid many a man flat on his back.

"Good man, of the old school. New ones can't touch 'em," commented a grizzled hospital orderly, as the Cheshire sergeant passed out of the room.

A Tommy, with bright eyes peeping from a purple bit of face all but hidden by a mass of white bandages, insisted on telling his story to anyone who would listen.

"He has told his bally yarn half a dozen times, sir," complained a hospital orderly to the doctor. "I told him he was not to talk, but he just can't keep his bloomin' mouth shut, he says."

"Nasty wound, too," remarked the doctor, as we watched the talkative individual. "Bullet went clean through his face, in one cheek and out the other, and carried away every one of his upper teeth."

But his injury had apparently increased his volubility. We could hear his tale as he poured it into the ear of a gunner, wounded in both legs and unable to escape.

"You see the ol' gas stuff got us bad, some on us," he explained. "But I got this 'ere bloomin' smash in the jawr, and that took up so much o' me bally time I didn't pay no attention to no gas, you believe _me_! I warsn't the only bloke lyin' there. They was a fair lot o' our chaps near me.

"The snipin' was cruel. Some o' the poor blokes that was bloomin' well shot already got 'it agin. I was jest thinkin' mine was comin' when wot oh! 'ere comes three big Prooshuns, tall as 'ouses. Good-day, Bill, says I to meself. You next! It'll be the butt for _your_ nut from these 'ere lobsters.

"But not a bit. They ups with me and carts me over to a 'ouse. Leastwys it _wor_ a 'ouse, wonct. An' wot do _you_ think! Them Prooshuns give me a bloomin' fill o' cold coffee, like Christians!

"'Bout this time the Buffs was comin' on an' my Prooshuns had to skin out, rapid. They didn't do nothin' to me only say, 'Ta-ta!' in Dutch. The fire got so 'ot I crawled off down a crick-thing full of the stinkinest stuff that ever got called water. I rounded around, after a while, an' come up back o' them Buffs a little. They saw me and bloomin' near shot my 'ead off, so I lay still.

"Then I crawled more. I 'ad got in front of some more o' our chaps by then. Big 'uns was goin' orf right there, an' 'eads was down, you bet. I was gettin' closer, when a fat-'ead sees me an' starts shootin'. I 'ollered, an' the more I 'ollered the more 'e let off 'is silly gun. 'E 'it my pore ol' cap, 'e did. Then some cuss shuts 'im orf, an' they come out and gets me.

"'Who are you?' says a orficer chap. 'I'm damned if I know,' says I. 'I've been shot at by everybody I've seen all mornin', except three big 'Uns.'

"'Mad,' says a cove, short-like. 'Send 'im in.'

"'An' 'ere I am, with no jawr much left.'

"'Humph,' commented the doctor as he walked away. 'Guess he could stand the loss of some more jaw and not kill him. He seems to have plenty left.'"

A more sinister story was told by a trooper shot through the thigh. He said the Germans got into one of our trenches, in which they found him and nine of his comrades. Five of the ten had been hit. The Huns told the wounded to crawl away to as safe a place as they could find, and they straightway wriggled off down the trench, as directed.

With a scowl on his face a big German said to the five unwounded men, "We don't want _you_. Go!" He pointed his finger to the shell-swept field that led toward the British reserve line. The five started on a run, but had not gone far when the rat-tat-tat of a machine-gun behind them commenced. In an instant the air was full of bullets. Four of the five men fell dead. The fifth was the man who told the story. He fell, he said, at the first sound of the quick-firer, and thus escaped with a bullet through his leg.

Counter-attack followed counter-attack as the day wore on. We launched a small one at 2.30 p.m., a larger one an hour later, and a still larger one was planned for 6 o'clock. This last was to win back the lost trenches around the Hooge Château, past the Bellewaarde Lake, and on to the north.

The British guns cleared the way splendidly for the 6 o'clock attack. "Mother" shells fell into a line of ruined houses near Hooge. The Germans had placed several machine-guns there, and as the 9·2 projectiles knocked the bricks about their ears they scampered out like chickens. A machine-gun not far away in the 9th Lancers' trenches poured a hail of bullets into the Huns as they left cover, and numbers were seen to fall.

The Royal Fusiliers were attacking, but when their line "got up," the advantage was lost, other enemy machine-guns had been brought into the German trenches, and the attack "fizzled out," no real gain having been made.

So night closed in. By 2 o'clock in the morning of the next day the fresh 2nd Cavalry Division troopers had relieved the tired men of the 1st Cavalry Division, who were once more brought back to the Vlamertinghe huts.

The Cavalry had lost heavily, and was still to lose before the second battle of Ypres was finished, though the ground won by the Huns on the 24th of May marked their furthermost westerly advance.

The part played by the infantry in the second Ypres struggle was greater, numerically, than that of the cavalry, but the work done by the troopers was of inestimable value. Their resistance broke the back of the enemy's onslaught at its most tense moments.

The work of the Queen's Bays on May 13th, and the 9th Lancers and 15th Hussars on May 24th, will long live in the annals of the British Army.

The following officers were awarded the Distinguished Service Order, the task of selection for the awards from so great a number of instances of gallant conduct during these May days being a most difficult one:--

Major George Harold Abseil Ing, 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays). At Ypres on May 13th, 1915, when the line was broken beyond the right flank of his regiment, he came out of his trench in the front line, stood on the road in the open under heavy shell-fire, stopped the retirement of forty men of another unit, and turned them into his section of the defence. The good results of his gallant action were far-reaching.

Major Charles William Henry Crichton, 10th (Prince of Wales Own Royal) Hussars. Near Ypres, on May 13th, 1915, showed conspicuous gallantry and ability in collecting and rallying men who were retiring under heavy shell-fire through the 10th Hussars' position. In our counter-attack he continued to direct operations, giving great encouragement to his men whilst he lay in the open under heavy shell-fire with his leg shattered.

Captain John Grey Porter, 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers. On May 10th, 1915, when a very heavy attack was made on the front line near Hooge, Captain Porter went up to the infantry line there and brought back very valuable information regarding the situation. On May 13th he rendered the greatest possible assistance in taking messages under terrific shell-fire to various parts of the line, and reporting on various local situations. He set an example of coolness and total disregard of danger that was beyond all praise. He has been twice wounded previously in this campaign.

The following eight cavalry officers were awarded the Military Cross for their work in the Salient:--

Captain Stewart Graham Menzies, D.S.O., 2nd Life Guards. Near Ypres, on May 13th, 1915, after his Commanding Officer had been wounded, displayed conspicuous ability, coolness and resource in controlling the action of his regiment and rallying the men.

Captain Edward Archibald Ruggles-Brise, Essex Yeomanry, T.F. For conspicuous gallantry and ability, near Ypres, on May 13th, 1915, when he held a position gained in a counter-attack, although entirely isolated, until ordered to withdraw at night. He had only fifty men under his command.

Captain Guy Franklin Reynolds, 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers. For splendid work on May 24th, 1915, near Hooge. When the headquarters of the 9th Lancers were gassed, he constantly brought reports from the trenches under very heavy fire, and helped to reorganise the defence of the left section. Also when the enemy attempted to enter Louave Wood, he was invaluable in helping to reorganise the defence. He set the finest possible example of calmness, coolness, and courage although suffering from gas and twice slightly wounded.

Captain Charles Joseph Leicester Stanhope, 15th (The King's) Hussars. For gallant and skillful handling of his squadron, near Hooge, on May 24th, 1915, with most valuable results. His squadron, having been badly gassed, he took forward the remnants, together with stragglers he collected, and on his own initiative, under very heavy shell-fire, reinforced the front line. He remained in action all day, and when the line on his left gave way he doubled back his flank with great skill, and continued with the utmost gallantry to hold the position.

Lieutenant Kenneth Douglas Lorne Maclaine of Lochbuie, 15th (The King's) Hussars (S.R.). Near Ypres, for good work in command of his squadron under trying circumstances, on May 13th, 1915. For gallant and skilful leading of a patrol on May 14th, by which he gained information of great value. He volunteered to lead this patrol, and pushed forward by day, a mile in front of our line, and returned with a good report as to the actual line then held by the enemy. For coolness, determination and skill in handling his squadron under difficult circumstances near Hooge on May 24th, 1915. He had been ordered up with his squadron to reinforce the left of another cavalry regiment, when the line north of the Menin Road gave way, and the situation became critical. Lieutenant Maclaine showed great skill in taking up a new position, facing north and west to meet the new situation, and maintained his position under most critical circumstances until relieved at 2.15 the next morning. His action contributed greatly towards maintaining intact the line south of the road.

Lieutenant William Spurrett Fielding Johnson, Leicestershire Yeomanry, T.F. For conspicuous gallantry near Ypres on May 13th, 1915. Was with Major Martin, and continued the action until the squadron was reduced to thirteen men. Afterwards displayed great coolness in withdrawing to a flank and joining a cavalry brigade.

Lieutenant James Archibald Garton, North Somerset Yeomanry, T.F. Near Ypres on May 13th, 1915, showed great coolness and daring. Held his position throughout the day, notwithstanding that the trenches had been blown in, and inspired all ranks by his behaviour. After all senior officers were killed or wounded, he assumed command of the regiment, displaying great judgment and initiative throughout.

Lieutenant Nigel Kennedy Worthington, 3rd Dragoon Guards (S.R.). Near Ypres on May 12th, 1915, showed great coolness and daring. He took over a new line of trenches just before dark, and to get round the line in daylight, he had to cross several open and fire-swept zones. On May 13th, at great risk, he came back several times to report.

From the foregoing list of honours it would be unfair to omit the Distinguished Service Order given for magnificent work a week after the fight on May 24th, to Major Philip Granville Mason, of the 3rd (Prince of Wales') Dragoon Guards. "Whilst in command of Hooge Fort and the adjoining trenches," the official report read, "he showed conspicuous gallantry and ability in holding the village and defence line allotted to him, notwithstanding a terrific bombardment for several hours every day from May 30th to June 2nd, 1915, in which practically all his trenches and dug-outs were blown in."

On the 25th the regiments took stock of their losses and began the work of refitting. I called at the headquarters of Colonel Burnett of the 18th Hussars, hearing he was in a dangerous condition from gas poisoning. No one was allowed to see him, and fears for his recovery were expressed by those who attended him. Burnett was soon afterwards sent home, where he was compelled to spend many long months of convalescence before he was able to rejoin his regiment.

Acting Adjutant Hill, of the 18th Hussars, had not been able to make out any accurate list of casualties. Two officers of the regiment were known to have been killed by gas, and five others were wounded. The killed, wounded and missing totalled nearly 190 out of less than 300. Many of the missing, it was hoped, would prove to have been gassed but slightly, and be able soon to resume their duties.

As the sun went down that evening their comrades of the 9th Lancers buried the bodies of Francis Grenfell and "Algy" Court.

Court's face wore a smile, as though he was quietly sleeping. Grenfell, shot through the heart at the height of the battle, bore, too, a look of deep peace, as if at last he had cheerfully gone to a better country, to join his beloved brother "Rivy," from the shock of whose death, on the Aisne, Francis had never recovered.

Staunch friends and fine men, both Grenfell and Court.

Whatever Peace may bring us, it can never replace the ones War has taken.

But they have left behind them their example, and the memory of the clean, young manhood that England gave, without stint, to fight for the right. With that memory enshrined in the hearts of those they have left behind, victory lies not with the grave, for such lives are deathless.

At an early hour on the 26th of May, General de Lisle was apprised of his appointment to the command of the 29th Division, which had won splendid laurels under General Hunter Weston in the Dardanelles.

My long and pleasant association with de Lisle bade fair to close, much to my regret.

In the course of conversation I told the General how sorry I was that I was not to accompany him.

"I much wish that you were," said he. "I doubt if I can take you to the Dardanelles; but if you care to come with me to London and the War Office, I will do what I can to have you attached to my new Division."

After a morning of racing back and forth between the front and St. Omer, we sped to Boulogne, arriving in time to catch the afternoon boat.

No one could have been kinder than General Long, the Director of Supplies and Transport at the War Office. In his office, next morning, I met General de Lisle; but General Long could only tell us that "it will very likely be a long, long time before motor cars will be required in the Dardanelles; and, as you know, Americans are not eligible for commissions in the British Army, even should you apply for one."

So back I went to General Headquarters in France, deeply sorry to say "Good-bye" to General de Lisle and his magnificent 1st Cavalry Division.

INDEX.

Abele, 155, 181

Adeney, Gen., 205

Albert, King of the Belgians, 9, 11-12, 16-17

Alexander of Teck, Major Prince, 12

Algerian Brigade, 171

Allenby, Gen., 3, 185, 197, 219

Amiens, 122

Annesley, Capt. (10th Hussars), 92

Antwerp, 11

Arbuthnot, Gen. (C.R.A.), 255

Armentières, 188

Armstrong, Lieut. "Pat" (10th Hussars), 2

Arras, 186, 201

Auber Ridge, 184, 186, 199

Aubers, 107

Bailleul, 115

Barrett, "Rattle," 133, 249

Beale-Browne, Major (9th Lancers), 133, 265-6-7

Bellewaarde Lake, 188

Bell-Irving, Lieut., 66

Benson, Rex, 133, 178, 265

Bethune, 22

Bixschoote, 121, 137, 139

Black Watch, 83

Boeschoeppe, 18

Boesinghe, 139

Boulogne, 122

Bretherton, Capt. (Staff), 70

Bridges, Col. "Tom" (4th Hussars), 11, 12, 13, 16

Bridges, Mrs., 12

Brielen, 218

Briggs, Gen., 2, 66, 118, 149, 197, 237, 240-1

Broodseinde, 158

Brown, Lieut. (4th D.G.), 149

Browne, Col. (R.A.M.C.), 240, 281-2

Budworth, --, (R.A.), 155, 165, 167, 227-8

Buffs, The, 265

Bulfin, Gen., 91, 198

Burnett, Col. (18th Hussars), 148, 175, 239, 293-4

Byng, Gen. Sir Julian, 197

Calais, 115

Campbell, Gen. David, 233-4, 240

"Canadian Farm," The, 187, 220

Canadians, 50, 128, 140-1, 144, 151, 153, 156-7-8, 184

Cassel, 144

"Cavan's House," 58, 71, 77, 134

Chantilly, 122

Cheshires, 283

Coldstream Guards, 1st Bn., 83

Corbett, Major (18th Hussars), 239

Court, Capt. "Algy," (9th Lancers), 133-4, 136, 267, 294

Court, "Rivy," 294

Crichton, Major C. W. H. (10th Hussars), 289

Cummings, Col. (R.A.M.C.), 136

Davies, Gen., 105-6

De Lisle, Major-Gen. H. de B., 1, 9, 13, 16, 18 _et passim_

Dickebush, 118, 256

Dixmude, 13

Dorsets, 107

Douai, 187

Dragoons, 1st Royal, 221

Dragoons, Inniskilling, 177

Dragoons, 3rd, 221

Dragoon Guards, 2nd (Queen's Bays), 2, 98, 220, 229, 230,
233-4 _et seq._, 269 _et seq._, 288

Dragoon Guards, 3rd, 233, 246

Dragoon Guards, 4th, 2, 35, 149, 220, 261, 267

Dragoon Guards, 5th, 2, 220, 229, 230, 236 _et seq._, 261,
269 _et seq._

Drake, Lieut. (10th Hussars), 92

Dranoutre, 118

Du Cros, "Willie," 279

Dunkirk, 9, 17, 177

East Kents, 161

Ecke, 137

Edwards, Capt. Noel (9th Lancers), 267

Elverdinghe, 143-4, 146

Esquelbecq, 259

Estaires, 106, 115

Fergusson, Gen. Sir Chas., 2

Festubert, 189, 248

Fielding, Gen., 241

Fisher, Major "Bertie" (17th Lancers), 206

Fitzclarence, Gen., 84

Fitzgerald, Major Desmond (11th Hussars), 45, 95, 146, 207

Flying Corps, Royal, 214

Foch, Gen., 50, 122

French, Gen. Sir John, 2, 5, 11, 122, 128

Fresson, Capt., 23, 156

Fromelle-road, 200

Furnes, 10, 11

Fusiliers, Irish, 242

Fusiliers, Royal, 287

Garton, Lieut. J. A. (North Somerset Yeomanry), 292

Gaselee, Gen., 256

Gheluvelt, 83

Givenchy, 5

Godawaersvelde, 137

Gordon-Lennox, Lieut., 91

Gough, Gen. Hubert, 248

Graham, Alex., 133

Gravenstafel, 158

Grenfell, Capt. Francis (9th Lancers), 218, 267, 271, 294

Griffiths, Capt. (Brigade Major), 268

Gunter, Lieut., 274

Haig, General Sir Douglas, 2, 53, 85, 103, 108

Halte, The, 249, 252

Hambro, Major Percy (15th Hussars), 1, 23, 45

Hartman, Lieut. (11th Hussars), 271

Hazebrouck, 115, 142

Henderson, Gen., 3

Het-Sas, 139, 159, 162, 171

Highlanders, Argyll and Sutherland, 213

Hill, Actg. Adjt. (18th Hussars), 294

"Hill 60," 135-6-7, 276

Holdsworth, Capt. (18th Hussars), 148

Hollebeke Château, 256

Home, Col. "Sally" (11th Hussars), 1, 23, 58, 202

Hooge, 61, 75, 83, 95-6, 133, 271-2, 287

Hooge Château, 253, 264, 287

Hornby, "Jeff" (9th Lancers), 85, 133

Howard, Capt. Cecil (16th Lancers), 1, 74, 233

Hussars, 4th, 180

Hussars, 10th, 221, 234-5

Hussars, 11th, 2, 67, 213, 220, 230, 236, 238, 261, 269 _et seq._

Hussars, 15th, 129, 246, 261, 266-7-8, 288

Hussars, 18th, 2, 35, 184, 198, 220, 232, 240, 246, 258, 261 _et seq._

Hussars, 19th, 238, 261, 267-8

Hussars, Oxford, 277

Indian Cavalry, 128-140

Indian Corps, 128

Ing, Major H. A. (Bays), 288

Jelf, Major Wilfred (R.H.A.), 1

Joffre, Gen., 122

Johnson, Bulkeley, 233, 241

Johnson, Capt., 241

Johnson, Lieut. W. F. (Leicestershire Yeomanry), 292

Kaden, Lieut.-Col. (Hun), 123

Kavanagh, Gen., 247

Keating, Col. Father, 136

Keir, Gen., 260

Kemmel, 118, 122

Kennedy, Gen., 233, 240-1

Kitchener, Lord, 122-3

K.O.S.B.'s, 134

K.R.R. Cyclists, 254

La Bassée, 106-7, 121

Labyrinth, The, 201

La Clytte, 118-9

Lancashires, East, 232, 268

Lancashires, Loyal North, 83

Lancers, 5th, 180

Lancers, 9th, 2, 35, 134, 220, 232, 240, 246, 261-2, 264, 266-7,
269 _et seq._, 287-8

Lancers, 16th, 50, 278

Lancers, 19th, 129

Lancers, Sind, 177

Langemarck, 137, 139

La Quinque Rue, 248

Laventie, 106

Lawson, Col. "Algy" (Bays), 229

Lawson, Capt. (11th Hussars), 238, 273, 276

Lefebvre, Gen., 57, 97

Le Jeune, Capt. Baron, 119

Lemon, Sergt. (5th D.G.), 238

Lens, 201

Le Touquet, 116

Life Guards, 1st, 221, 229, 230, 233

Life Guards, 2nd, 221, 229, 230, 233

Lille, 107, 184-5

Lillers, 115

Lincolns, 107

Lizerne, 139, 153, 155-6-7, 159, 162, 168, 171

Lloyd, Capt. Hardress (4th D.G.), 1, 9, 10, 13, 16, 91, 189, 192, 194,
207, 224-5-6

Loch, Lord (Staff), 91, 198

Locre, 118, 198

Long, Gen. (W.O.), 296

Loos, 201

Louave Wood, 266, 272

Lowe, Gen., 116

Lumley, Gen., 116

Lumley, Lieut. (11th Hussars), 116

Lumsden, G. F. (A.S.C.), 183

Lunan, Lieut., 246

Lyne-Stephens, 142

Lys, River, 116, 188

Macfarlane, 198

MacLachlan, Capt. (18th Hussars), 263-4

Maclaine, Lieut. Kenneth (15th Hussars), 247, 291-2

Manchesters, The, 172

Mapplebeck, -- (R.F.C.), 130-1-2

Martin, Major, 292

Mason, Major P. G. (3rd D.G.), 293

Meakin, Gen., 197, 219, 224, 267

Menin Road and Bridge, The, 55, 58, _et passim_

Menzies, Capt. S. G. (2nd Life Guards), 290

Merville, 103, 115

Messines, 188

Meteren, 132

Mieville, -- (R.C.A.), 129

Milne, Lieut. (Bays), 270

Monro, Gen. C. C., 2

Moore, Major (Canadians), 140

Moore-Brabazon, -- (R.F.C.), 130

Moriarty, Capt. (R.A.M.C.), 66

Mullens, Brig.-Gen., 2, 85, 118, 179, 192, 217, 255, 280

Murray, Gen., 36

Neame, Capt. Bertram (18th Hussars), 147-8

Neuve Chapelle, 102, 107-8, _et seq._, 123, 184

Nicholson, Capt. "Babe" (15th Hussars), 74, 82-3-4-5, 83, _et seq._,
87, 89, 91-2-3, 149, 150, 225, 280

Nieppe, Forest of, 112

Nieuport-les-Bains, 10, 11, 13

Norrie, Capt. (5th D.G.), 236

Northcliffe, Lord, 18

Noyelles, 23, 24

O'Donnell, Surg.-Gen., 136

Osborne, Capt. (Brigade Major), 270

Paget, Capt. (Brigade Major), 280

Paris, 115

Passchendaele, 187

Pemberton, Max, 18

Peto, Capt. (10th Hussars), 92

Pilkem, 156, 162

Pilkington, Major (15th Hussars), 175

Pitman, Col. "Tommy" (11th Hussars), 66, 197, 219, 220, 267

Ploegsteert, 116, 122

Ploegsteert, Bois de, 117

Plumer, Gen. Sir Herbert, 3, 95, 185

Polygon Wood, 180

Pont Gal Joffre, 15

Poperinghe, 37, 133, 140, 143-4, 150-1, 173

Poole, Lieut., 279

Poona Horse, The, 177

Porter, Capt. J. G. (9th Lancers), 289

Potijze, 57, 189, 191-2, 202, 206, 227

"Princess Pat's," The, 136, 212

Pulteney, Gen., 2

Putz, Gen. (French Commander), 155, 178

Pypegaale, 163

R.A.M.C., 232

Rawlinson, Capt. Father, 136

Rawlinson, Gen. Sir Henry, 3, 200

Renton, -- (10th Hussars), 237

Reynolds, Capt. "Bimbo" (9th Lancers), 133, 266-7

Reynolds, Capt. G. F. (9th Lancers), 290

R.H.A. (H and I batteries), 165, 168

Richardson, Stewart, 239

Rifle Brigade, 107, 113, 114, 161

Rimington, Gen., 3

Royal Horse Guards (Blues), 221, 234-5, 244

Royals, 233, 246

Robertson, Gen., 36

Ross, Lady, 16

Rouge Croix, 107

Roulers, 188

Royal Engineers, 273

Ruggles-Brise, Capt. E. (Essex Yeomanry), 290

Sailly, 102

St. Eloi, 113

St. Julien, 141, 157, 172, 179

St. Leger, Major (Irish Guards) 132-3

St. Omer, 115, 122

Sanctuary Wood, 71, 188 _et passim_

Scots Guards, 4

Sewell, Major (4th D.G.), 240

Sherman, --, 179, 240

Skinner, Major (R.H.A.), 248, 255

Smith-Dorrien, Gen. Sir Horace, 2, 156, 185

Smith, Harold (R.A.C.), 129, 130

Snow, Gen. T. O'D., 18, 197, 199

Staffordshire Brigade, 115

Stanhope, Capt. C. J. L. (15th Hussars), 291

Steele, Major (R.A.M.C.), 119

Steenstraate, 139

Steenvoorde, 54, 144, 153

Territorials, Durham, 161

Territorials, London, 128

Territorials, Midlands, 128

Territorials, Northumberland, 128, 140, 161, 172, 184, 217, 241

Territorials, Warwickshire, 129, 227

Territorials, West Riding, 184

Territorials, East Yorkshire, 269

Territorials, York and Durham, 225

Territorials, York and Lancaster, 142, 266, 271

Territorials, York, 161

Thelus, 201

Thompson, Capt. T. O. (R.A.M.C.), 147

Thresher, Col., 136

Tirailleurs d'Afrique, 13

Tomkinson, Capt. "Mouse" ("Royals"), 1, 91

Tremayne, -- (19th Hussars), 238

Verbranden Molen, 135

Verlorenhoek, 188

Vermelles, 21-22, 29, 31, _et seq._

Vieux Berquin, 132

Vlamertinghe, 118, 211

Wales, Prince of, 36

Walker, Capt. (Staff), 118

Warren, Col. (A.P.O.), 136

Watts, Lce-Corporal, 238

Webb, Capt. (Signal Corps), 252

West Kents, 134

Weston, Gen. Hunter, 295

West Surreys, 83, 136

Wheeler, Capt. Bennie (15th Hussars), 74

Wieltje, 141

Willcocks, Gen. Sir Jas., 3

Williams, Romer, 133, 179, 213, 281

Wilson, Col. ("Blues"), 91

Wilson, Gen., 211

Wiltshires, 107

Woesten, 143, 146, 150

Wormhoudt, 176-7

Worthington, Lieut. N. K. (3rd D.G.), 293

Yeomanry, Essex, 221, 234, 245

Yeomanry, Leicestershire, 229, 230, 233, 246

Yeomanry, Northamptonshire, 108

Yeomanry, North Somerset, 233, 239, 246

Ypres, 43, 61, 189 _et passim_

Ypres Salient, 50, 133, 188 _et passim_

Zillebeke, 50, 69, 92, 134

Zonnebeke, 61

Zouaves, French Colonial, 169

LONDON: PRINTED BY WM. CLOWES AND SONS, LTD., DUKE ST., STAMFORD ST., S.E.

++With Generals French, Smith-Dorrien, and De Lisle in the Firing Line.++

"From Mons to Ypres with French."

By FREDERIC COLEMAN,

A Member of the R.A.C. Contingent at the Front.

_50 Illustrations taken there. Sixth Large Printing now selling._
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Mr. Coleman gives his actual experiences in the thick of the fighting during the first four months of the War.

_A FEW SELECTED PRESS OPINIONS._

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=Daily Telegraph= (First Notice):--"Mr. Coleman's Book, intensely
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=The Sphere=:--"A most absorbing narrative of war experiences.
Again and again Mr. Coleman pours out his admiration for the
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much careful description of military events and at times sound
criticism."

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for writing an authoritative history of the British campaign in
Flanders and France."

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in language without literary frills of any kind, and is the
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++With Generals French, Smith-Dorrien, and De Lisle in the Firing Line.++

"From Mons to Ypres with French."

By FREDERIC COLEMAN,

A Member of the R.A.C. Contingent at the Front.

_50 Illustrations taken there. Sixth Large Printing in hand._
_Crown 8vo., cloth, gilt, =6=/- net._

Mr. Coleman gives his actual experiences in the thick of the fighting during the first four months of the War.

A REVIEW BY LORD CROMER.

_Reprinted with permission from "The Spectator," May 20th, 1916._

English politicians and journalists deserve some credit for the manner in which they have dealt with the attitude assumed by the United States of America during the present war. The policy pursued by President Wilson has unquestionably caused some surprise and disappointment on this side of the Atlantic. But the discussion has always been characterized by great restraint. Language calculated to wound the national susceptibilities of Americans has been studiously avoided. By far the most severe of President Wilson's critics have been his own countrymen. Several causes have contributed to bring about this result. Of these, the most important has been the fact that the genuine friendship entertained by most Englishmen for their Transatlantic kinsmen has made them very reluctant to criticize. Then, again, incipient criticism has been checked by a feeling that we owe some atonement for the harsh judgment most unfortunately passed by some sections of English society on American policy during the great struggle of half-a-century ago; by a just appreciation of the fact that, whatever we might think, Americans are not only the sole, but also the best judges of the conduct of their own Government; and by the reflection that the difficulties which beset President Wilson cannot be fully realized on this side of the Atlantic. But, in addition to these causes, there has been another which has largely contributed to prevent any estrangement between the two great branches of the Anglo-Saxon race. Englishmen, although they have been somewhat astonished at the equanimity with which the frequent German outrages against American life and property have been endured, have never resented the neutral attitude adopted by the United States Government; but they have felt that President Wilson failed to rise to the situation, that he did not adequately appreciate the extent to which the greatest democracy of the world was interested in the struggle against absolutism, and that, without any departure from an attitude of strict neutrality, a greater amount of sympathy might have been displayed for those who are the champions of progress and civilization against retrogression and an abhorrent State morality. At the same time, they felt that the attitude of official America did not accurately represent the real feelings and sentiments of the American public, or at all events of that portion of the public whose views were most entitled to respect. Hence, it has resulted that the opinions expressed by individual Americans, who were untrammelled by official responsibilities, have served as a healthy antidote to the acts and language of their Government. Amongst this class Mr. Frederic Coleman is entitled to occupy a distinguished place. In the very spirited and graphic account which he has written of his personal experiences with the British Expeditionary Force in France, he speaks with no uncertain voice. "Friends and readers," he says, "do not forget that most Americans feel much the same as I feel about the war. An overwhelming majority of those of my countrymen who know the truth would do what lies in their power to further the success of the Allies and their righteous cause." Moreover, he arraigns the criminal monarch who has been instrumental in bringing about the greatest catastrophe the world has ever witnessed before the bar of human and Divine justice. Speaking of the gallant Grenfell twin brothers, both of whom were sacrificed on the altar of German ambition, he uses words which should find a responsive echo in many a sorely-stricken French and English home. "Fine men of noble character, the Grenfells. Surely the monarch responsible for a war that mows down the flower of the world's manhood in the fulness of its youth must one day answer for his crime, in this world or the next."

Mr. Coleman was not, as is usually the case with civilians who are attached to an army in the field, constrained to keep out of the fighting line. On the contrary, it is clear from his stirring personal narrative that most of his time was passed within the region in which a hail of "Black Marias," shrapnell shells, and Mauser bullets has been asserting Germany's right to occupy "a place in the sun" by slaughtering the youth of England, by devastating the fair homesteads of France, and by reducing to ruins the sacred buildings and historic monuments of which French soil is so prolific. Mr. Coleman does not profess to write a history of the operations of which he was a witness. He frequently dwells on a point which is too often forgotten by those who read the accounts given by the actors in the great struggle. It is that each individual can only bear testimony to what passes before his own eyes. Very few are in possession of information which would enable them to judge of the relative importance of events. "No one," Mr. Coleman says, "would imagine how little regimental officers, or Brigade commanders for that matter, know of the broad plan of operations." But Mr. Coleman provides us with a very vivid picture of what he himself saw, and thus enables us to realize the general character which the war must have assumed elsewhere.

Mr. Coleman joined the Expeditionary Force in August, 1914, about the time when the retirement from Mons and its neighbourhood began. His account of this operation is deeply interesting. It would be altogether premature to discuss, and still more to criticize, the strategy of which this movement was the outcome. Moreover, the British commanders were in no way responsible for the early strategy of the campaign. They merely had to make their military dispositions conform to the requirements of the plan which had been already elaborated and partially executed by the French General Staff, and that plan necessitated a withdrawal from the advanced position originally occupied by the British troops in Flanders. A retreat does not necessarily connote permanent defeat or irretrievable disaster. When the Duke of Wellington withdrew within the lines of Torres Vedras, he did so deliberately in order to prepare for the advance which eventually drove the invaders from Spanish territory. It is greatly to be hoped that the history of Torres Vedras will be repeated at Salonika. Nevertheless, retreat generally involves at least a temporary check. It disheartens the rank-and-file of an army, more especially if it is the sequel of some local success in one portion of the field of operations. Describing the situation at St. Quentin on August 27th, 1914, Mr. Coleman says: "An orderly, well-disciplined army had been through a great fight. Its infantry, unbeaten by the infantry that opposed it, had been ordered to retire. 'Gawd knows why,' hundreds of Tommies were saying.... Everything tended to discouragement." Retreat, in the presence of an advancing enemy, flushed with the full confidence of victory, is one of the most delicate and difficult of military operations, and one also that affords a crucial test of the discipline and morale of the retreating force. To such an extent has this been recognized that the successful retreats recorded in history have shed a very special degree of lustre on those in command and on the troops whom they conducted. After a lapse of twenty-three centuries, the account of the retreat of the famous Ten Thousand after the battle of Cunaxa is still read with undiminished interest and admiration. The operations of Jovian after the crushing defeat inflicted on the Emperor Julian in Persia are still cited as an instance of what can be accomplished by a highly trained and well-disciplined army. Sir John Moore's retreat to Corunna is another case in point, and the heroic action of Ney's rearguard during the retreat from Moscow, although it could not avert disaster, nobly redeemed the honour of the French Army. The retreat of the British force from Mons should find an honoured place side by side with these celebrated episodes.