their own lines, bumped right into a
section of Mr Wood's platoon in a "grouse butt." On being challenged,
the Bosche sergeant-major called out, "Welche Kompanie ist das?"
(which company is that?) which seemed to annoy one Jock who replied
"Welsh Company be damned. Take that, you ----, it's the Black Watch
you're up against this time." Their carelessness cost them five
killed, including the sergeant-major, and twice as many wounded.

Next day we advanced to just beyond the Quentin Road, meeting with
practically no opposition, and later A Company (Mr C.G. Duncan) passed
through B, and advanced to the Turbeaute River. The Bosche guns were
very busy all day, and considering the number of shells they threw
over us and our lack of any cover, we were lucky in having as few
casualties as we did. We had a good deal of gas in our area and on the
main road, and the following day after a short but severe
trench-mortar bombardment they attacked one of our posts on the
Turbeaute River which repulsed them at the point of the bayonet. That
night we were relieved by the 15th Battalion, the Suffolk Regiment
(230th Brigade); our relief was managed quite successfully, and we
went back into support at Robecq, with garrisons in the main line of
the Amusoires trench system.

Only very short parade hours and daily bathes in the Lys or La Bassee
Canals made this a delightful week. We were asked for no digging
parties, and the only fatigue--which the men thoroughly enjoyed--was
harvesting under Mr H. Adamson's supervision.

On 16th August we moved a few miles farther back across the Canal to
La Miquellerie where we had as good billets as we had seen in France.
Up to now we had received a few kilts of the large size only, so we
had only a few of the biggest men fitted out, and drill order was
always trousers. On getting to Miquellerie we found a huge assortment
of kilts awaiting us, and the sergeant-tailor (Sergeant Ferguson) had
two hectic days fitting the Battalion for the Divisional Church Parade
in a field between La Miquellerie and Ham en Artois. The Army
Commander, General Sir Wm. Birdwood, was present, and after the
service he gave us a most inspiring address, and saw us march past him
in fours as we left the field. The two following days were devoted to
a detailed inspection by the Corps Commander, Lieut.-General Sir R.
Haking, who seemed favourably impressed and made some very
complimentary remarks.

On the 24th we moved up into s