Knots of French soldiers or visiting British officers walked about sombrely and spoke in low tones, as if in the actual presence of the dead, in spite of the weeks that had flown by since Vermelles had echoed to the crash of a bursting shell.
The French soldiers were a tough-looking lot of customers. A bit nondescript as to uniform, and universally campaign worn, unshaven, and mud-plastered, they looked stout and fit for anything. A friendly class of men, respectful to British officers to a degree, a fact that spoke not only of good discipline, but of fine French traditions of politeness. They impressed me as splendid war material, and more, as men of fine character and indomitable determination.
Sport behind the lines began to assume quite a healthy state in January. Packs of beagles and hounds and pairs of greyhounds were brought "out" by enthusiasts, and cross-country courses with rare jumps were carefully mapped out.
Alas! for "Le Sport." An order came along one day from G.H.Q. which stated that "the Commander-in-Chief regrets that it is necessary to prohibit any more hunting, coursing, shooting, or paper-chasing. This order comes into effect at once."
The 2nd Cavalry Brigade drew up a splendid steeplechase programme, which the state of the ground would not have allowed, had no order from G.H.Q. been promulgated.
A card of "beagle-meets" was issued, and formed the following somewhat pretentious propaganda:—
"THE 2ND CAVALRY BRIGADE BEAGLES
WILL MEET—
| Sunday | Jan. | 3rd, | C Squadron 4th Dragoon Guards. |
| Tuesday | Jan. | 5th, | St-Jans-Cappel, Berthen, Cross Roads. |
| Thursday | Jan. | 7th, | Headquarters 9th Lancers. |
| Saturday | Jan. | 9th, | Berthen. |
| Monday | Jan. | 11th, | H Battery. |
| Wednesday | Jan. | 13th, | Headquarters 18th Hussars. |
| Friday | Jan. | 15th, | St-Jans-Cappel Church. |
| Sunday | Jan. | 17th, | Headquarters 4th Dragoon Guards. |
| Each day at One o'clock." | |||
The Prince of Wales ran more than once with that pack of beagles, and ran well.