That was the problem which many Cavalry officers had to face, and it is not surprising that most of them, loving their own branch of the service, and still believing, or at least hoping, that the Cavalry would yet get their chance, should have shrunk from sacrificing their Cavalry training, even for such promotion. It was a clear proof of the great straits to which the losses of the war had brought the Infantry, on whom the brunt had fallen. The letter goes on:—
“News from Russia appears to me all good, and it does look as though the tide were turning at last, and the Germans had shot their bolt, and were up against it.... It’s such a huge thing this war, and there is such a tremendous lot one wants to know, and so very little one does know. But I feel as confident as ever, as I think we all do out here.”
They all did throughout, happily for England.
October 10.—“Nearly every house of a little better class one goes into here has a stuffed fox in it. I can’t understand why, and they are such an eyesore to me.”
October 12.—“One of the Poona Horse told me he had had a great ride after a really good pig this morning, only couldn’t get him as he had only his sword. I had heard there are some in these woods, but hadn’t seen any myself so far.”
October 13.—“Here we are in our new quarters at Villers.... Coming up here from the river valley we passed the most lovely coverts—all the trees turning fast, and with the sun on them simply looking perfect.”
October 14.—“How I long for us to get a real move on. The thought of another winter sitting doing nothing like last is maddening. It can’t be. I feel we must push and push and push. And here are we drivelling about doing these silly field-days and ‘pretending’ always.”
October 15.—“A confidential memo. came round yesterday asking for recommendations among N.C.O.’s for the Croix de Guerre and the Médaille Militaire. The first is for gallantry, and the other more like our long-service and good-conduct. It is rather funny for us who have done practically nothing.”
October 17.—“Then there was a lecture from the Colonel [Richardson] about drinking in the Regiment, and very well indeed he spoke too.”
October 25.—“Exercise. Balaclava sing-song for the men.”