The motor-bus in war : $b being the impressions of an A.S.C. officer during two and a half years at the frontBeatson, A. M.
History
The motor-bus in war : $b being the impressions of an A.S.C. officer during two and a half years at the front
Beatson, A. M.
World War, 1914-1918 -- Personal narratives, English; World War, 1914-1918 -- Transportation
Wondering always how soon or if ever our Division would be called on to
play a part in the advance, we received quite a shock when one day,
towards the end of August, the entire —— Indian Cavalry Division was
sent back to ——, only however, for a matter of a week. Here the
Division put in some manoeuvres and field-days, and immediately after
things began to get a move on at last. A little town, near which the
week was passed, nestles comfortably in a hollow at the foot of steep
hills, and possesses a large and beautiful cathedral, of Gothic
architecture, with a very decorative west portal. Its interior is bold,
and, unlike that of many such churches, has not been spoilt by the
addition of tawdry decoration and gilt paint. From the top of its square
tower can be seen a magnificent panorama of the surrounding country.
Incidentally, it contains a life-sized beautifully carved wooden
crucifix, in which the detail is marvellous. It is said to be the most
perfect example of its kind in the world. The story goes that an
American offered to pave the church with gold if he were allowed to take
it away. I do not know how true the story is, but, needless to say, his
offer was not accepted.
The initial move towards the line —— for the Column was to ——, the first
railhead from which the troops were rationed on the line of march.
Being quite near Doullens, the country was very familiar to us. From
there we moved to the environs of Amiens, a new railway recently laid by
Royal Engineers being made use of for the supply train, whilst —— was
railhead. Around here the country is flat and covered with cornfields;
by this time the harvest was just gathered in, and on these fields the
whole Division, including, of course, the Supply Column, bivouacked for
the night. What a wonderful sight was the arrival of the cavalry that
evening, miles of mounted men marching from all directions to the huge
camp. Every one was optimistic; the air was full of rumours. At last,
after all the weary months of waiting, the hour was soon to strike.
Cavalry was at length to have a "show." French, British, and Indian
Cavalry Divisions were "going through." On the 14th we packed up and
were on the move again and bivouacked for the night on the roadside just
short of ——, which was our railhead the following day. A sudden move is
no light matter! More fortunate than other branches of the Service in
the matter of carrying capacity, A.S.C. motor-lorries, when loaded up to
their utmost capacity with rations and forage, do not offer as much
accommodation for the carrying of kits and mess gear, though, as might
at first sight appear. With matters properly organized, and after a
little practice, it is quite possible to arrive at the resting-place for
the night, and within an hour of doing so the men’s cookhouse is set up
and dishing out hot tea and rations—bivouacs and tents are in course of
erection, the officers’ mess tent is pitched, and dinner is being
served.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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