ssines.

It was not long before those in authority discovered that the
neighbourhood of Morlancourt was peculiarly favourable for the
carrying out of manoeuvres, with the result that a period of
"intensive training" set in. Drill orders took place four days a week,
and batteries were specially trained in the methods of open warfare,
while many hours were devoted to tactical schemes.

At this time units were reorganised, all batteries were increased to
six guns, and there was plenty of work to keep everyone busy. The
narrator of these rambling notes, after a period of two years' service
with the Brigade, here transferred his allegiance to the sister
howitzer battery of the Division, known as "The Grey Battery," from
the fact that all the horses were of that colour. Sentiment ran strong
for his "old love" and those he was obliged to leave, but he was
already well acquainted with both officers and men of his new unit,
and soon settled down happily amongst them.

All guns were carefully calibrated on a range due west of Peronne, and
the "hairies" picked up rapidly in condition, owing to the good care
and attention that was bestowed upon them. The big battles of Vimy
Ridge and Arras were now in full swing, and it seemed unlikely that we
would be called upon to take any part in them so late in the day.

Many forms of amusement were created for the men, and football
matches, both "rugger" and "soccer," were freely indulged in between
batteries and brigades, while the full regimental band of one of the
Guards' regiments was kindly lent to the Divisional Artillery. It gave
many a fine entertainment in the evenings.

Time thus sped by at an amazing rate, and various visits of inspection
paid us by officers from the C.R.A. up to the Army Commander made (p. 040)
it very apparent that we were undoubtedly being "fattened up"--but for
what? The question was more than we could answer, but speculations
were rife as to our possible destination, for we knew that the Somme
would see us no more--in the meantime, at all events.

Six weeks had come and gone, and yet we remained inactive in this
peaceful village; then sudden orders were issued for us to be ready to
entrain at short notice, and, in the second week of May, the Battery
glided out of the station at Meulte prepared for anything. A long and
circuitous route was taken _via_ Amiens, Abbeville, Etaples, Boulogne,
Calais, St. Omer, and at length we arrived at Arques, near which