Except for the factories, where millions of pounds' worth of machinery had been stolen or wrecked, Fives had suffered structurally very little damage from the Germans. It is true none of our beds had brass knobs, and similar articles of that metal had been everywhere removed, but that, after all, was not a very serious matter. The treatment of the inhabitants is a very different story, but that is rather beyond the scope of this book. Anyhow, we were most hospitably received, and it is doubtful whether in all the history of the battalion the men had better billets. The concert party took on their self-appointed tasks with great vigour and success. Costumes of brown canvas, with ruffs of "four by two," made an excellent show; and the party contrived to make their performances regular and varied, which speaks well for their industry. They were composed of Riflemen Brookes (piano), Evans (baritone), Beesley, Frith, and Lance-Corporal Snowden (comedians), and Lance-Corporal Henderson. The latter was the life and soul of the party, and a host in himself. Later Rifleman McConnell (ragtime), Lance-Corporal Hassall (comedian), and Company Sergeant-Major Lane (baritone) were added to the party, Sergeant Stevenson taking over the duties of pianist. Lieutenant Drewsen and the Padre gave active assistance, while Rifleman Cooper proved a great attraction as a Chinese Magician on one occasion, and variety was also introduced in the form of local French talent. There can be no question but that the "Cheerios" were a great success. In addition, the Divisional Concert Party, "The Dons"--a very efficient and amusing company--established themselves close to us. This was a great convenience, and enabled many, who had had no chance of seeing them during the war, to attend their performances. The "bugles" improved daily, and proved a great attraction in the streets of Fives during "Retreat" and "First Post." A small party of children became very attached to the drummers, and accompanied the battalion on one route march, which proved so long and so wet that the poor little mites had to be dragged along by the hand, till a passing lorry could be obtained to take them home. Further additions were made to our strength during this month. Major D. Grant-Dalton, C.M.G., D.S.O., West Yorkshire Regiment, came as Second-in-Command, the Adjutant, who was performing that duty, taking over the work of P.R.I, and O.C. Amusements; and the following other officers also joined--viz., Lieutenant Lutz, M.C., who had fought for the Boers against us at Spion Kop, Lieutenants Beavan and Fry, 2nd-Lieutenant Bardsley, and Lieutenant Royle, who returned after six months in England. This sudden influx of officers--ten in one month--was rather overwhelming, and was less valuable than it would have been a month previously, when we were very short-handed.