(p. 008)

Our First Battle.

Our marching orders came within the next few days. Each unit was
provided with portable bridges, which were carried under the wagon
bodies, and this, and several other preparations, gave us a good
indication that we were out for business. A couple of days trekking
brought us to the village of Nedonchel, which proved to be another
place of happy memory to our Senior Subaltern. Here we were given a
rough idea of the part we were to play in the coming proceedings. Two
army corps were to attack, on a six mile front, in the neighbourhood
of Loos and, if the assault was successful, the corps in reserve,
which included our Division, was to go through and exploit the victory
to its fullest advantage. We were to take no part in the initial
attack.

Large masses of troops were being moved up behind the battle area,
and, in order to screen our movements from hostile aircraft, the
latter stages of the journey were to be made under cover of darkness,
so the whole of the next day was spent in resting. At nightfall a
diversion was caused by a Cavalry Division passing through the village
on its way up, and a splendid sight it presented, as one famous
regiment followed swiftly on another. It was now almost time for us to
make a start, and the good lady of the house had remained out of bed
to brew us hot coffee and see us off the premises. As we were about to
depart she told us that her old mother, aged 88, who was in the next
room, had expressed the desire to see us for a moment, and so we were
conducted to the old lady's bedside. She was lying telling her beads,
but sat up as we approached and beckoned to each officer in turn, who
advanced, knelt, and received a blessing. The inhabitants knew well
that a big battle was to be fought quite soon, as the little (p. 009)
village had been the scene of great activity during the past few days
and, although it was a considerable distance from the line, the
preliminary bombardment could be distinctly heard. The low muffled
rumble was incessant, and, to-night, seemed, if anything, more
intense. Shortly after midnight we set off and disappeared into the
darkness, followed by words of good cheer from the villagers and
shouts of "Bon chance, messieurs, bon chance."

Passing through Bruay we arrived a few miles behind the battle front
on the morning of the assault, which was delivered at an early hour,
and s