with a precision worthy of all military
commendation. But such secrecy was maintained that the British public
remained in ignorance of its passage until successfully accomplished.
American correspondents, however, were not yet strictly censored, so
that their papers published news of it on August 9.

On Sunday, August 9, 1914, two British transports were observed making
for the harbor of Boulogne. The weather was all that could be wished,
the crossing resembled a bank-holiday excursion. For some days
previously the French had taken a gloomy view of British support. But
French fishermen returning from Scotland and English ports maintained
confidence, for had not British fishermen told them the French would
never be abandoned to fall a prey to the enemy.

When the two advance British transports steamed into view, "Les
Anglais," at last everyone cried. At once a hugely joyful reversion of
feeling. The landing of the British soldiers was made a popular ovation.
Their appearance, soldierly bearing, their gentleness toward women and
children, their care of the horses were showered with heartfelt French
compliments. Especially the Scotch Highlanders, after their cautious
fashion, wondered at the exuberance of their welcome. For the brave
Irish, was not Marshal MacMahon of near-Irish descent and the first
president of the Third Republic? The Irish alone would save that
republic. Women begged for the regimental badges to pin on their
breasts. In turn they offered delicacies of all kinds to the soldiers.
For the first time in a hundred years the British uniform was seen on
French soil. Then it represented an enemy, now a comrade in arms. The
bond of union was sealed at a midnight military mass, celebrated by
English-speaking priests, for British and French Catholic soldiers at
Camp Malbrouch round the Colonne de la Grande Armee. The two names
recalled the greatest of British and French victories--Blenheim,
Ramillies, and Oudenarde, Ulm, Austerlitz, and Jena.

Meanwhile, officers of the French General Staff had journeyed to London
to confer with the British General Staff regarding the camping and
alignment of the British troops. Meanwhile, also, the British reserves
and territorials were called to the colors. The latter comprised the
militia, infantry and artillery, and the volunteer yeomanry cavalry,
infantry and artillery. The militia was the oldest British military
force, officered to a great extent by retired regular army m