CHAPTER I

THE SECOND DIVISION

Canadians in the clash of World Powers--Effect of losses on Canadian people--Tribute of the British--The Service in St. Paul's--"Pure gold"--Eighteen hundred fresh troops cross the Channel--Prompt action of the Minister of Militia--Call for men from the third contingent to refill the ranks--Outstanding feature of the Second Battle of Ypres--Colonel Henderson on volunteer armies--Adaptability of the Canadians--Gallantry and intelligence _v._ lengthy training--The real strength underlying great national movements--The superiority of volunteer armies--The conduct of Canadian and Australian troops--The landings at Gallipoli--Lone Pine Hill--Recruiting for the Second Division--Unbounded patriotism of the Provinces--The Commanding Officers--Mid-winter training--Sailing of the Second Contingent--Major-General Steele--Training in England--Ready for any emergency--Divisional Artillery--A satisfactory inspection--Visit of the Prime Minister, the Colonial Secretary, and the Minister of Militia--The great achievement of Sir Sam Hughes--Words of praise from the Colonial Secretary--The New World ready to redeem the balance of the Old--Our King, Our Country, Our Empire--Special message from the King--Towards the firing line--A startling incident in the Channel--The historic landing-place--The French Canadians in France--A dramatic moment