uch with it. Much has been said during the
war as to the marvels of German organisation, and possibly not too much.
At the same time there is quite as much to be said in praise of British
organisation. Germany wanted a war whilst we did not. Germany prepared
for war, tirelessly, ceaselessly; with her eye on the goal--world-wide
dominion--she brought all her organising ability to bear on the
preparation for the war she was determined to force on humanity.
Britain, on the other hand, has had to improvise her war organisation
since war has been actually forced on her. A run round the great base
camps in France will show how wonderfully complete is that
organisation--transport, supply, commissariat. Of course there have been
mistakes, but singularly few under the circumstances. Many people are
very critical of the War Office, but those who know most of the
difficulties that have been overcome and the successes achieved, will be
the least inclined to join hands with the critics.

It is like a nightmare to think of that first winter of the war, with
its gales, rain and mud, and it was when the weather was at its worst
that the men of the first Canadian Contingent were encamped on Salisbury
Plain. It is difficult to conceive what they would have done, but for
the timely help of the Red Triangle. The roads were almost impassable,
and the mud in the vicinity of the camps appalling, but the Canadians
stuck it, and so did our leaders and workers. The tents were crowded to
their utmost capacity, but it was soon found that no tent could weather
the gales of Salisbury Plain in winter. That discovery led to the
evolution of the Y.M.C.A. hut. Wooden frames covered with canvas were
tried first of all, but they, too, were incapable of withstanding the
fury of the gales, and something much stronger had to be provided.

It meant a great deal to the country during that first winter of the war
that the men were happy and contented, because they had their leisure
hours pleasantly occupied, and because the most popular place in camp
was almost without exception the one that bore the sign of the Red
Triangle. And what did they find at the sign of the Red Triangle? They
found there an open house, a warm welcome, a place of recreation and
enjoyment, where they could meet their friends on terms thoroughly
cordial and unofficial. Coffee and buns were always a great attraction,
and as for music--the piano was hardly ever silent. Tommy Atkins loves a