Footnote 2: In making these remarks I want it understood that I am intending at this point no censure of our staff, whose difficulties in their way were even greater than those of the Infantry, nor am I working up to any impeachment of my superiors in narrating those facts, the omission of which would ruin the value of this story.[(back)]
Footnote 3: Cross-examination of the men in their duties. They were asked what they would do in various emergencies. Their powers of recognition were also tested. I recollect a humorous incident when General White and Colonel Wake (G.S.O.I., 61st Division) both passed incognito. The situation was well seized by the former, who slapped his chest and declared, 'Such is fame'! Lay readers will find in later chapters some attempt to explain the technical expressions used in the text.[(back)]
Footnote 4: A secret trench code, intended for use in operations.[(back)]
Footnote 5: Deliberate shelling to ascertain exact range of targets for a future bombardment.[(back)]
Footnote 6: B.C.—Boyau de communication, communication trench.[(back)]
Footnote 7: This fact, which will hardly be credited by future generations, is related from the actual knowledge of the writer.[(back)]
Footnote 8: At this stage in the war the barrels of many of our guns and howitzers in use on the Western Front were very worn. That fact alone and not any want of care or devotion on the part of our Artillery or staff would have accounted for the 'short shooting' which I record. To locate a worn barrel, when scores of batteries were bombarding together according to a complicated programme, was naturally impossible. Infantry recognised this.[(back)]
Footnote 9: Nowhere is this truth better expressed than in the words of 'Tommy's' own song, the refrain of which ends:—
'But you get your "bob" a day, never mind!'[(back)]
Footnote 10: For the terrain referred to in this chapter see the maps ante pp. 83 and 95.[(back)]
Footnote 11: Defensive artillery, whose inactivity prior to the German attack was intended to ensure against discovery by enemy sound-rangers and observers.[(back)]