e march the Battalion had ever
experienced. Frequent checks, but no halts, taught the true weight of
packs and kit; and a perfunctory inspection on arrival at the camp
completed the exhaustion.

For the next three weeks the history of the Battalion was one common to
those Territorial units which were sent out as lone Battalions about
that time. It comprised a glorious uncertainty, which troops coming out
earlier and later in complete divisions cannot have experienced. For
instance, on landing it was learnt, quite by accident, but on excellent
authority, that officers no longer wore Sam Browne belts or carried
swords. A frantic rush at the last moment procured web equipment just
before the parade to entrain. Swords and belts were left at the base.

[Sidenote: =Nov. 6th.=]

There was much to learn about entrainment in France. An advance party
had been sent forward some two hours earlier, and the rest of the
Battalion and the transport were at the station by 4 p.m. The train was
not due to leave until 9 p.m. French trains and the French railway
system became familiar later on in all their ramifications, but at first
"Hommes 40 Chevaux (en long) 8" aroused suspicions that were only too
well justified in the next 21 1/2 hours before the train reached its
destination. The experience was not a unique one.

[Sidenote: =Nov. 7th.=]

On arrival at General Headquarters it was found that the Battalion was
not even expected, and no arrangements had been made for the night.
After a wait of three hours in the train, the Battalion moved off into
some old artillery barracks, which were destined to become more familiar
later on. The quarters were, at that time, about as dismal and dirty as
can be imagined.

[Sidenote: =Nov. 8th.=]

The Battalion marched out some three and a half miles to a large
unfurnished and unfinished convent, which accommodated the entire
strength.

There was no water laid on, no light, no method of heating or of drying
clothes, no furniture, and no possibility of supplementing rations. The
only bright spot was the first introduction to the rum ration.

Training, which consisted chiefly of trench digging and artillery
formation, was carried out daily regardless of the weather.

The Battalion was apparently considered to be up to the required
standard of efficiency and hardness, or else the authorities had not the
heart to keep it there longer, for on the 15th orders were received to
march the next day.