CHAPTER II

PATROLS

An interval of calm--Process of forming the Second and Third Divisions--St. Eloi--The sector of Bailleul--Work of the Army Corps Staff--Changes in the Higher Command--The first experience of the Second Division--A demonstration opposite La Douve Farm--Dummy trenches--Smoke sacks--Veterans of the Third Brigade act as instructors--Bombardment of the Fifth Brigade--The gallant deed of Major Roy--Steadiness of the French Canadians--New Brunswickers on their mettle--Heroism of Sergeant Ryer--Canadians at home in patrol work--Stolidity of the Germans--Inventiveness of Canadians--Plucky rescue of Corporal May--Deadly land mines--Lucky escape of the Winnipeg boys--A thrilling adventure in the air--Capture of a German 'plane--Singular recovery of a Colt gun--the value of model trenches--The formation of a Brigade--Difficult night work--Havoc wrought by storms--Useful work of Labour Battalion--Holy ground