village of Seningham, which place was destined to be our
home for the next few days. The officers were afforded spacious
accommodation in the house of the Maire, whilst the men had comfortable
billets in the neighbourhood. Time was spent making our unit shipshape
after its travels by land and sea, and the "hairies" obtained as much
grazing as possible, to make them fit for what was in store for them.
It was wonderful how quickly the men adapted themselves to French
ways, and much amusement was caused by their eager, if somewhat
unsuccessful, attempts to master the language of our Allies.

When it became known that the officers were anxious to increase their
knowledge of the language of the country, the maidens of the village
vied with one another to obtain posts as instructresses, and there was
nearly a free fight amongst them for the possession of our worthy
Senior Subaltern, whose taking ways did not fail to catch their
attention!

But, alas! our peaceful warfare was not to be for long! One morning
sudden orders came through to prepare for the line in a couple of
days' time. All was instant bustle, extra grooming was given to the
horses, and finishing touches were put to the howitzers and vehicles.
We were to be given a trial in action to show how we would comport
ourselves before joining the "Feet" of our own Division, the Guards,
who at that time were out at rest. For this purpose we were to be
placed under the orders of the C.R.A. of an Indian Division, to
reinforce the Batteries already in positions and receive instruction
from them.

At last the morning arrived to move off, the column, skirting the town
of St. Omer, took the main road to Hazebrouck, and, as we passed
through the village of Arques, we caught a first glimpse of our future
infantry. They appeared equally keen on seeing their new artillery,
and inspected us with a critical eye. The march was made in easy
stages, and on the morning of the third day the Brigade arrived at
Merville, a quaint old town in Flemish Flanders. After a hasty lunch,
the officers rode ahead, in order to get into touch with the unit we
were to support in the line, and another amusing incident happened _en
route_. One of the Junior Officers owned a sturdy mare, whose
reputation as a charger was apt to be ridiculed by his companions, as
she was notorious for her slow gait. When the party had proceeded some
distance at the trot, "Halting Hilda" was observed, to the astonishment