In order to remove all question of doubt in the mind of the reader it
might perhaps be well to state here that the facts as given are the
bona fide experiences of Corporal Edwards, Number 39, Number One
Company, P. P. C. L. I., and as such were subjected to the closest
scrutiny both by the author and others before it was deemed advisable
to give the account to the public. In particular great pains were
taken to do full justice to all enemy individuals who figure in the
story.

Recognizing the seriousness of the charges implied by the recital, all
those concerned with it are extremely anxious that the correctness of
the account should constitute its chief value: In short the intention
has been to make of the story a readable history.

The main facts--having to do with the destruction of the regiment on
the eighth of May, 1915, the identity and activities of the
individuals mentioned and the more important of the later happenings,
including the final escape into Holland--are matters of official
record and as such have frequently been mentioned in the official
dispatches. The more personal details are based on the recollections
of Corporal Edwards' retentive mind, aided by his very unusual powers
of observation and the rough diary which he managed to retain
possession of during his later adventures.

For the events preceding the capture of Corporal Edwards on the eighth
of May the author has relied upon his own recollections; as he too had
the honor of having been "an original Patricia."

G.P.

Sept. 1, 1917.
Toronto, Canada.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I Polygon Wood 14

II The Fourth of May 20

III Corporal Edwards Takes up the Tale 23

IV Major Gault Comes Back 28

V The Eighth of May and the Last Stand of the Princess Pats 33

VI Prisoners 45

VII Pulling the Leg of a German General 61

VIII The Princess Patricia's German Uncle 70

IX How the German Red Cross Tended the Canadian Wounded 76

X The Curious Concoctions of the Chef at Giessen 81

XI The Way They Have at Giess