Visit of the Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, Troon, 1915.[ToList]
To face page 25.
At last word was received that the Battalion would cross to France on November 22nd. Only fifty per cent. got week-end leave—there was no time for more. Training was over. Few will forget the brave skirl of the pipes as the Battalion swung home in the morning from Yarnbury Castle, file after file silhouetted against the orange and gold of the rising sun. Always, when the wind blows fresh and sweet in the morning, those who are left of those happy times will think of Codford, the "jumping off place" of the Seventeenth for France.
The following message of God-speed and goodwill was received by the Battalion as part of the 32nd Division before setting out:—
"17th Service Battalion Highland Light Infantry.
"Brigade Order No. 1285, of 19th November, 1915.
"Message from His Majesty the King.
"Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men of the 32nd Division, on the eve of your departure for Active Service I send you my heartfelt good wishes.
"It is a bitter disappointment to me, owing to an unfortunate accident, I am unable to see the Division on Parade before it leaves England; but I can assure you that my thoughts are with you all.
"Your period of training has been long and arduous, but the time has now come for you to prove on the Field of Battle the results of your instruction.
"From the good accounts that I have received of the Division, I am confident that the high traditions of the British Army are safe in your hands, and that with your comrades now in the Field you will maintain the unceasing efforts necessary to bring the War to a victorious ending.
"Good-bye and God-speed."