some
will be able to see through the gross egotistical covering and get a
glimpse, however faint, of the deeds of deathless heroism performed by
my beloved comrades--the officers and men of the 7th Northumberland
Fusiliers, the officers and men of the 149th Infantry Brigade, the
officers and men of the 50th Division.

The climax of the story is the battle on the Somme where so many dear
friends have perished. The name is taken from a spot where a small
party of the 7th N.F. did something long afterwards to avenge their
fallen comrades.

Finally no criticism of the Higher Command is intended by anything
that has been written. If such can be read between the lines, it is
unintentional and a matter for sincere regret.

CONTENTS

PAGE

I. WHEN IT BEGAN 1

II. THE MEN OF THE NORTH COUNTRY 7

III. ALNWICK 12

IV. THE JOURNEY OUT 17

V. HILL 60 22

VI. MOUNT SORREL AND CANNY HILL 31

VII. KEMMEL 41

VIII. DIVISIONAL REST 48

IX. BRIGADE HEAD-QUARTERS 52

X. THE BRIGADE BOMBING SCHOOL 59

XI. ST. ELOI AND NEUVE EGLISE 64

XII. THE SOMME 68

XIII. HENENCOURT 72

XIV. MAMETZ WOOD 76

XV. THE 15TH SEPTEMBER, 1916 80

XVI. MILLENCOURT 87

XVII. HOOK SAP 90

XVIII. SECOND LEAVE--BRESLE 97

XIX. BUTTE OF WARLENCOURT--TRENCH WARFARE 102

XX. FRANCE AND THE FRENCH 107

XXI. SOUTH OF THE SOMME 115

XXII. THE BATTLE OF ARRAS 122

XXIII. WANCOURT TOWER--CROISILLES 125

XXIV. MONCHY-AU-BOIS 139

XXV. TREN