ands.

About the middle of May, the Division came out and returned to the
area behind Poperinghe. There was an unexpected treat in store for the
Brigade, for it was shortly sent down to the coast for a change of
air. A two days' march brought the Battery to Cap Gris Nez, while the
other batteries were distributed along the small villages between
Calais and Boulogne. It was a real holiday for us, and a better part
of the year could not have been chosen. All that was expected of us
was to exercise the "hairies," which we did by taking the guns a walk
along the hard sand in the early mornings.

A large field was secured, and for several hours daily the horses were
put out to grass, and, if ever animals showed signs of joy, they
certainly did, and their antics were most amusing to witness. It was
expected that some difficulty would be experienced in catching them
again, but, after the first day, a trumpet call was all that was
required. On hearing the sound, they would throw up their heads, and
then slowly wander towards the entrance, where the drivers awaited and
secured them.

The main feature of the day was, undoubtedly, the bathing parade,
enjoyed equally by man and beast. The horses knew at once what was in
store for them when they were led down to the beach. The men stripped,
and, mounting the eager horses, a wild dash was made for the water,
and quite a number of the animals proved themselves excellent
swimmers, many remaining a considerable time in deep water. On leaving
the sea, they would gallop along the sands, showing every sign of
contentment, and we were glad that, at last, they were receiving some
reward for their patient devotion and faithful service, for we were
all fond of our four-legged comrades.

Amusements were instituted for the men--all manner of sports by (p. 027)
day and concerts in the evenings. The officers lived out of doors,
attracted by the cliffs, from which Dover was visible on most clear
days, and everyone voted this peaceful place the next best thing to
home leave.

It was, therefore, with much regret that, at the end of twelve days,
we retraced our steps to Arneke, where we were to remain for the
latter portion of the rest.

We had no sooner arrived at this place than the enemy started making
himself unpleasant in the southern portion of the Salient, and,
attacking the Canadians from Hooge as far as St. Eloi, succeeded in
driving them back some distance before he was finally he