led in between me and the wall; she stayed by me all day, and
I hope got later on to safe quarters.

Firing kept up all day. In thirty hours we had fired 3600 rounds, and
at times with seven, eight, or nine guns; our wire cut and repaired
eighteen times. Orders came to move, and we got ready. At dusk we got
the guns out by hand, and all batteries assembled at a given spot in
comparative safety. We were much afraid they would open on us, for at 10
o'clock they gave us 100 or 150 rounds, hitting the trench parapet again
and again. However, we were up the road, the last wagon half a mile
away before they opened. One burst near me, and splattered some pieces
around, but we got clear, and by 12 were out of the usual fire zone.
Marched all night, tired as could be, but happy to be clear.

I was glad to get on dear old Bonfire again. We made about sixteen
miles, and got to our billets at dawn. I had three or four hours'
sleep, and arose to a peaceful breakfast. We shall go back to the line
elsewhere very soon, but it is a present relief, and the next place is
sure to be better, for it cannot be worse. Much of this narrative is
bald and plain, but it tells our part in a really great battle. I have
only had hasty notes to go by; in conversation there is much one could
say that would be of greater interest. Heard of the 'Lusitania' disaster
on our road out. A terrible affair!

Here ends the account of his part in this memorable battle,

And here follow some general observations upon the experience:

Northern France, May 10th, 1915.

We got here to refit and rest this morning at 4, having marched last
night at 10. The general impression in my mind is of a nightmare. We
have been in the most bitter of fights. For seventeen days and seventeen
nights none of us have had our clothes off, nor our boots even, except
occasionally. In all that time while I was awake, gunfire and rifle fire
never ceased for sixty seconds, and it was sticking to our utmost by a
weak line all but ready to break, knowing nothing of what was going on,
and depressed by reports of anxious infantry. The men and the divisions
are worthy of all praise that can be given. It did not end in four days
when many of our infantry were taken out. It kept on at fever heat till
yesterday.

This, of course, is the second battle of Ypres, or the battle of the
Yser, I do not know which. At one time we were down to seven guns,
but those guns were smoking a