The Actor interrupted again. ‘Tell me, Thomas, do you believe in this funny accessory?’ Thomas said: ‘It’s damnable. It’s not soldiering to use stuff like that even though the Germans did start it. It’s dirty, and it’ll bring us bad luck. We’re sure to bungle it. Look at those new gas-companies, (sorry, excuse me this once, I mean accessory-companies). Their very look makes me tremble. Chemistry-dons from London University, a few lads straight from school, one or two N.C.O.’s of the old-soldier type, trained together for three weeks, then given a job as responsible as this. Of course they’ll bungle it. How could they do anything else? But let’s be merry. I’m going on again: ‘Men of company: what they are to carry: Two hundred rounds of ammunition (bomb-throwers fifty, and signallers one hundred and fifty rounds). Heavy tools carried in sling by the strongest men. Waterproof sheet in belt. Sandbag in right coat-pocket. Field dressing and iodine. Emergency ration, including biscuit. One tube-helmet, to be worn when we advance, foiled up on the head. It must be quite secure and the top part turned down. If possible each man will be provided with an elastic band. One smoke-helmet, old pattern, to be carried for preference behind the back where it is least likely to be damaged by stray bullets, etc. Wire-cutters, as many as possible, by wiring party and others; hedging-gloves by wire party. Platoon screens, for artillery observation, to be carried by a man in each platoon who is not carrying a tool. Packs, capes, greatcoats, blankets will be dumped, not carried. No one is to carry sketches of our position or anything likely to be of service to the enemy.’ ‘That’s all. I believe we’re going over first with the Middlesex in support. If we get through the German wire I’ll be satisfied. Our guns don’t seem to be cutting it. Perhaps they’re putting that off until the intense bombardment. Any questions?’