f the other was
to work in conjunction with him and to maintain, as far as possible,
uninterrupted communication with the Brigade after laying down the
wire. The morning before the battle, the wire was laid out over the
canal as far as the series of outposts, in order to save time on the
following day. The same evening, at sunset, the party set out, after
receiving wishes for the best of good luck from those who had been
fortunate enough to escape being detailed for this arduous task.
Officers and men proceeded to their appointed places in the front
line, or rather in what had once been an enemy support trench, though
now it was scarcely recognisable as such, owing to the effects of our
bombardment, there to remain for the night and await coming events.

Now, in consequence of the enemy's premature retirement over the
crest, he lost most of his observation on us, but he was aware we had
effected a crossing and held posts on his side of the canal. He
therefore lavishly besprinkled this area with all manner of high
explosive shells--one here, one there: never two in the same
place--and the members of the party began to wonder whether they would
survive to witness the fortunes of the battle. It always appears to be
a matter of conjecture as to what are the real feelings of an F.O.O.
about to take the plunge, so perhaps it might be of interest in this
case to acquaint ourselves with them. As he lies out there with his
men, where are his thoughts? Are they of his home, his parents, wife,
or children? Will he ever see their dear faces again? No--! all that
agony has been fought out over and over again long ago, during the
previous fortnight or so, since he has been detailed for this
particular job. Then, what does he think about? If the truth be told,
he is rapidly running over in his mind all the little things which
may perhaps, at the last moment, have been omitted or forgotten. (p. 052)
He questions Gunner "So-and-so" to make certain that that extra piece
of wire has been brought along, and asks what the h--l Gunner
"Somebody else" is doing standing there without a "tin-hat" on, and
enquires of the Bombardier if he has adjusted the Lucas lamp properly,
which has been giving some trouble previously. These and a
hundred-and-one other such questions flash through his brain as he
lies on the ground with his little party, all vigorously puffing pipes
or cigarettes. The hours go by very slowly, and conversation on any
old top