by Football, and invariably
won. On the ranges with rifle and Lewis gun, the Battalion maintained
its place as _the_ Battalion in the Division.

[Illustration: OFFICERS OF THE BATTALION AT MAR LODGE, TROON,
1915.
_To face page 24._]

[Illustration: VISIT OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,
TROON, 1915.
_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."

To the above message the following reply was sent:--

"Please convey to His Majesty the heartfelt thanks of all ranks
of the 32nd Division for His gracious message and their
determination to justify His expectations.

"The Division deeply regrets the accident which has deprived it
of the honour of a visit from His Majesty, and humbly offers its
best wishes for His Ma