In conclusion, I wish to take this opportunity of thanking Captain G. R. Westmacott, Lieutenant M. H. Macmillan, Lieutenant B. Samuelson, Lieutenant L. R. Abel-Smith, and Lieutenant A. C. Knollys for the excellent work they did in preparing accurate diaries for each battalion, with extracts from the officers' letters. Without their aid I should never have had the time or the energy to complete this book.

F. E. G. PONSONBY.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

The Situation before the War [1]

CHAPTER II

Arrival of the 2nd Battalion in France [9]

CHAPTER III

The Retreat from Mons (2nd Battalion) [23]

CHAPTER IV