"'Carry the word to my Sisters-- To the Queens of the East and the South, I have proven my faith in the Heritage By more than the word of the mouth. They that are wise may follow Ere the world's war-trumpet blows: But I--I am first in the battle,' Said our Lady of the Snows." --KIPLING. AUTHOR'S NOTE I am so conscious of the imperfections of the chapters which follow that I was for long unwilling to publish them in the form of a book. They were written under great difficulties and in many moods; nor am I unaware that the excuse for collecting them is very slender. It was, however, represented to me by persons of much authority, that the subjects dealt with excited an interest so lively in Canada that imperfections in the workmanship would be readily overlooked in the Dominion. I therefore publish my impressions of the fortunes of the 1st Canadian Division and of Princess Patricia's Regiment. Some of the scenes described fell in whole, or in part, under my own observation. In dealing with others I have had access, in the discharge of my duties, to a large number of military diaries and official documents. It may be stated that the greatest care is being taken by the Canadian Government to collect and preserve every authoritative document which may hereafter throw light upon the military history of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Nor is there reason to doubt that the official historian of Canada (whoever he may prove to be) will find abundant material for a grave and adequate work. Perhaps such a one may find here and there in these hurriedly written pages a contemporary echo, however faint and elusive, of the clash and passion of war which the author has attempted to describe. I shall be content if one Canadian woman draws solace from this poor record of her dead husband's bravery; if even one reader recognises for the first time the right of the Canadians to stand as equals in the Temple of Valour with their Australian brothers who fought and died at Anzac; if the task of consolidating our Imperial resources, which may be the one positive consequence of this orgy of destruction, counts one adherent the more among those who have honoured me by reading these records. And of Englishmen I ask nothing but that they shall hereafter think of my countrymen as "Brothers in whom a man trusts even if a great quarrel arises." W. M. AITKEN. CONTENTS CHAPTER I MOBILISATION War without warning--Canada's loyalty--Improvising an Army--Efforts of the Minister of Militia--Camp at Valcartier--Canadian Armada sails--Arrival at Plymouth--Lord Roberts's interest--King's visit to Canadian Camp--Training completed--Sailing for France CHAPTER II WARFARE