With The Immortal Seventh Division | Page 4

tries to secure a good mount. To me it
was a specially serious matter; when a man walks 15.8 and rides another two stone at
least, considerable care has to be exercised in the selection of his equine friend, who has
to bear with him the fatigues, trials and risks of a campaign. I shall ever feel the deepest
obligation to Captain Kennedy Shaw, O.C., Remounts Department, Salisbury, for
supplying me with one of the best horses I have ever ridden; a big upstanding bay, with
black points; deep chested; good quarters; with the most perfect manners, even under the
heaviest fire, which could be desired. Strangely enough his name (which was tied to his
halter) was 'Ora Pro Nobis,' a not inapt cognomen for a padré's horse. He must have come
out of a good stable, and I often felt that someone must have hoped that he would fall into
good hands. Should this by any chance be read by the owner, let me say that both my
groom and I took the greatest care of my good steed until the day when German shrapnel
ushered him into 'the eternal hayfield.'
They were happy days at Lyndhurst, where the Division remained for a fortnight. The
future stress of awful losses was only a bare possibility then, although it was on the
horizon of many men's hearts; but at the time it was ignored, for many of the officers had
their women folk staying, either in the village, or near at hand; and the lawn of the
'Crown,' the Divisional Head-quarters, was a bright and happy centre of pleasurable
intercourse.
It was a strange experience to be ushered into the very vortex of a soldier's life, although
my experience of military camp life was not a new one; in far back years happy service in
a kilted regiment had left a mark which time has not effaced.
A very cordial reception from General Capper set me at my ease; whilst Brig.-General
Ruggles Brise, to whose Brigade I was attached, and to whose kindness and courtesy I
owe much, assured me of the good will of the powers that be. The General posted me to
the 20th Brigade--a noble appointment indeed; for such troops as the Grenadier Guards,
Scots Guards, Gordon Highlanders and Border Regiment were good enough for any man.
The Parade Services I held while at Lyndhurst were an inspiration. The prayer card
issued by the Chaplain-General was greatly appreciated by officers and men. I arranged
for the distribution of 15,000 of them in the Division, and they were eagerly accepted by
all from the Generals downwards. On many an occasion in the after days I came across
these cards tucked away in the lining of the caps of dead and wounded men. Nothing can

exceed the beautiful simplicity of the prayer, a copy of which I venture to insert:--
A SOLDIER'S PRAYER.
Almighty and most Merciful Father, Forgive me my sins: Grant me thy peace: Give me
thy power: Bless me in life and death, For Jesus Christ's sake.
Amen.
(On the reverse side.)
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation;
But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever
and ever.
Amen.
The other Chaplains of the Division were:--
Church of England: The Rev. Hon. T. George Maurice Peel, 21st Brigade.
Presbyterian: The Rev. W. Stevenson Jaffray.
Roman Catholic: The Rev. Father Moth.
It was on October 4 when my wife, daughter and myself were about to take tea with
Captain Douglas of the Staff--alas! now dead--and his wife, that he hurriedly rode out of
the 'Crown' saying, 'The order has come to stand by.' The news was welcome, for we
were growing weary of waiting. Immediately the troops began to move off; the unit to
which I was attached--23rd Field Ambulance which served the 20th Brigade--left at 2.45
a.m., reaching Southampton about six. It is of interest to note that a Division of troops of
over 15,000 men makes a brave show upon the road, its length from the van to the rear
being not less than twelve miles.
Apparently the cheering folk along the road passed a sleepless night, for at every hamlet
and village people lined the road, waving us their farewells; and from many a cottage
window kindly faces could be seen silhouetted against the light of the room, cheering us
onward with hearty words.
The embarkation at Southampton was a busy scene, and took many hours to accomplish,
but finally fourteen huge