mping of hundreds of feet up and down the trenches, they became
like a quagmire. We slipped and slid, clutching to the sticky, clay
walls, and floundering up to our knees in holes, and, to make matters
worse, Bosche, who knew that this was the time we brought up fresh
munitions, crumped the Fifth Avenue as hard as he could. One or two
shells crashed into the trench on the way up, and I had to pass over two
working parties (by the aid of a candle-light, screened) searching for,
and placing the remains of their comrades in sacks.

Good God! it's a hellish game; and the terror of war gripped one's
heartstrings that night. The momentary flash of the exploding shells
lighted up the faces of the men with ghastly vividness, some grinding
out curses then groping blindly on. I was glad when the journey was
ended, and I turned into a dug-out in the village to rest for the night.

Next morning a misty, drizzly pall still hung over everything. I
wondered how in the world our men were going to attack under such
conditions, and to-morrow was "The Day." I pitied them with all my
heart and soul. And then I thought of myself, and my own particular job.
I couldn't possibly "take" in such disgusting weather. The result would
be an absolute failure. I controlled my feelings, and hoped for the
best.

The time arrived for the General's speech. Reaching the field, I found
all the men mustered up. The General had just arrived. I started to film
the scenes as they presented themselves to me. Jove! The speech was the
most impressive that I had ever heard. I will give it as it was spoken,
as near as I can. I do not think that it has been published before:

"Officers and men of the West Riding Field Company, R.E.,
and -- Battalion, Royal Fusiliers:

"I hoped yesterday to be able to come and wish you good
luck, on the first anniversary of the engagement in Gully
Ravine, there the Royal Fusiliers took the Turkish fifth
line of trenches. Owing to the rain, however, and to the
discomfort to which you would have been placed, I postponed
my visit until to-day.

"I want to tell you something of the situation as it now
stands. You are probably aware that we are now taking part
in the greatest battle ever fought by British troops. Not
only is it of far more importance than any fight since
Waterloo, but the numbers engaged far exceed any assembly of
troops in former days. The stren