He had from the start, the respect of all in the British Expeditionary Force.
A sudden call "to stand to", however, reminded us that the war was not yet won.

The Brigadier told me that we had to move the next morning at five.

Then he asked me how I was going and I quoted my favourite text, "The Lord will provide." My breakfast at 3.30 next morning consisted of a tin of green peas without bread or other adulterations and a cup of coffee.

At five a.m.I started to walk, but it was not long before I was overtaken by the car of an artillery officer, and carried, in great glory, past the General and his staff, whose horses we nearly pushed into the ditch on the narrow road.

The Brigadier waved his hand and congratulated me upon the way in which Providence was looking after me.
That afternoon our brigade was settled in reserve trenches at Lacouture.