Everyone knew that, when the hour for performance came, they would be ready, but till that hour came they were intolerant of restraint.
The English people did not understand us, and many of our men certainly gave them good reason to be doubtful.

Rumour had it at one time that we were going to be taken out of the mud and quartered in Exeter.

Then the rumour was that the Exeter people said, "If the Canadians are sent here, we'll all leave the town." I did not mind, I told the men I would make my billet in the Bishop's Palace.
The C.O.of one of the battalions was tempted to do what David did with such disastrous results, namely number the people.

He called the roll of his battalion and found that four hundred and fifty men were absent without leave.

But as I have said, we all knew that when the moment for big things came, every man would be at his post and would do his bit.
Just before Christmas the 3rd Brigade were moved into huts at Lark Hill.