"WAR OFFICE, "LONDON, S.W., _2nd November, 1914._ "TO THE PRESIDENT, "CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, "7 WEST GEORGE STREET, "GLASGOW. "Sir, "I am commanded by the Army Council to offer you, and those associated with you, their sincere thanks for having raised the 17th (Service) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry (3rd Glasgow) of which the administration has now been taken over by the Military Authorities. "The Council much appreciated the spirit which prompted your offer of assistance, and they are gratified at the successful results of the time and labour devoted to this object, which has added to the armed forces of the Crown the services of a fine body of men. "The Council will watch the future career of the Battalion with interest, and they feel assured that when sent to the front it will maintain the high reputation of the distinguished Regiment of which it forms part. "I am to add that its success on active service will largely depend on the result of your efforts to keep the depot Companies constantly up to establishment with men in every way fit for service in the field. "I am, Sir, "Your obedient Servant, "(Signed) B.B. CUBITT." On 7th November, the Battalion paid a return visit to the City of Glasgow. The Battalion arrived and formed up on the station platform. A word of command and away they marched into the streets, crowded to the uttermost by friends and relatives. Hardly a cheer was heard. The men marched between banks of faces, in a deep silence. What a strange reception, surely the most impressive men ever had, proving what was in the hearts of those that watched the men and how they felt for them. Only when they entered the Square did cheers and the buzzing of an awaking crowd break out. "We felt," says an officer, "rather disappointed; but we knew what it meant." The unit was then inspected in front of the Municipal Buildings by representatives of the Chamber of Commerce. [Illustration: EARLY DAYS.] [Illustration: A REST BY THE WAY. _To face page 18._] [Illustration: H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT, Colonel-in-Chief of the H.L.I.] [Illustration: Colonel J. STANLEY PATERSON. _To face page 19._] ESPRIT DE CORPS. It will be of value and interest to give here a brief survey of the history of The Highland Light Infantry, which enshrines a record of service and gallantry second to none in the annals of our Empire, and to which the Chamber of Commerce Battalion was fated to add a page as heroic and imperishable as any in its great traditions.