e--and especially a short one--is a somewhat
difficult task, but my intense pride in, and admiration for, the part
played by the Battalion with which the gallant author was so long and
honourably associated must be my excuse for undertaking to do my best.

From his stout record as a soldier the author's qualifications to
write this history are undoubted. His readers will be able to follow
from start to glorious finish of the Great War the fortunes of that
gallant little band of Fife and Forfar Yeomen who ultimately became
the 14th (Fife and Forfar Yeomanry) Battalion The Royal Highlanders.

There was little of moment in the operations of the Egyptian
Expeditionary Force in which this unit did not take part. In divers
theatres of war they answered the call of Empire--from Gallipoli to
Jerusalem, from Jerusalem to France--ever upholding the honour of
their King and Country and the best traditions of the British Army.

No matter what by-path of the Great War they trod they bore themselves
with the undaunted spirit of their forefathers.

The experiences of the Battalion were so full of interest as to seem
well worth placing on record--quite apart from the military importance
of the operations in which they were concerned.

The ordinary reader must consider the conditions under which the work
of this unit was carried out--often under a burning sun and again in
bitter cold, mud and torrential rain--conditions which might well
appal the stoutest heart, but here I note that the gallant author, as
I expected, makes light of the many hardships and vicissitudes that he
and his comrades were called upon to endure.

Again, when we consider how these heroes first entered the lists as
cavalry, were then called upon to serve as dismounted cavalry, and
finally as infantrymen, it surely speaks highly for that "will to win"
that they had not long before the cessation of hostilities died of a
broken heart!

Many a time during the two years that I had the honour to command the
74th (Yeomanry) Division both in Palestine and France, I noted--not
without a feeling of intense pride--the cheery "never-say-die" spirit
which pervaded all ranks of this splendid Battalion.

No matter what task was set them--no matter what the difficulties and
privations to be encountered--all was overcome by that unfaltering
determination and unswerving loyalty which carried them triumphant
wherever the fates called them.

In conclusion of these few poor r