Three years in France with the Guns: Being Episodes in the life of a Field BatteryRose, C. A.
History
Three years in France with the Guns: Being Episodes in the life of a Field Battery
Rose, C. A.
World War, 1914-1918 -- Personal narratives, English
which followed!!
After detraining, the Battery marched through beautiful country, which
reminded one of the Borders, as it was not unlike the valley of the
Tweed, and we were at once taken to the hearts of the inhabitants of
the good village of Seningham, which place was destined to be our home
for the next few days. The officers were afforded spacious
accommodation in the house of the Maire, whilst the men had comfortable
billets in the neighbourhood. Time was spent making our unit shipshape
after its travels by land and sea, and the “hairies” obtained as much
grazing as possible, to make them fit for what was in store for them.
It was wonderful how quickly the men adapted themselves to French ways,
and much amusement was caused by their eager, if somewhat unsuccessful,
attempts to master the language of our Allies.
When it became known that the officers were anxious to increase their
knowledge of the language of the country, the maidens of the village
vied with one another to obtain posts as instructresses, and there was
nearly a free fight amongst them for the possession of our worthy
Senior Subaltern, whose taking ways did not fail to catch their
attention!
But, alas! our peaceful warfare was not to be for long! One morning
sudden orders came through to prepare for the line in a couple of days’
time. All was instant bustle, extra grooming was given to the horses,
and finishing touches were put to the howitzers and vehicles. We were
to be given a trial in action to show how we would comport ourselves
before joining the “Feet” of our own Division, the Guards, who at that
time were out at rest. For this purpose we were to be placed under the
orders of the C.R.A. of an Indian Division, to reinforce the Batteries
already in positions and receive instruction from them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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